Recreational Cyclocross and GravelbikingThis has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like :The Dirty Kanza". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Hello All,
I am looking to purchase my first cross bike this spring. It will be for all around training and occasional touring, I started riding 2 years ago, basically 4 seasons but mostly in dry conditions, and did up to 130km per day (in summer) on my 26-inch MTB. I ride 80% in normal roads roads, less in gravel and dirt roads, forest or occasional cobblestone. Iím looking for a dynamic CX bike with rapid acceleration.

Before that I was contemplating the Stevens bikes and particularly the 1300Ä Canyon Inflite AL 8.0S: http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/...01#tab-reiter2
The Canyon comes with Shimano 105 groupset. How important are the rims: fulcrum 7 or mavic crossone? I hate to true wheels often Thereís practically none weight difference, I expected Felt to be lighter.

Price-wise they are the same. 55 frame size on Felt sounds about right, 56cm Canyon might be a bit stretching. Trying them in a local shop is not an option unfortunately, as they donít have many CX bikes over here and wouldnít order one just for trying.

I need a bike that is good to ride for a couple of years, Iíd go with stock 28-32mm wide tires, Iíd still need to buy pedals and shoes and maybe mudguards and thatís it. I already have a cateye el 540 light, lock etc. Iíd like to fit pannier bags at some point - is that possible on Felt which doesnít seem to have an eyelet for pannier rack? Does it feel right to sit all day long in CX bike saddle?

My concern with Felt is breaks: will tektro cr720 canti-breaks do fine or is Shimano mechanical disk break better?
Honestly speaking, Felt with its Cantis and external cable routing looks a bit old-school, hope itís as efficient or better as Canyon..
What do you think about cheaper cube cross race?
I appreciate any tips.